New York City Homicide Attorney

Homicide, murder, and manslaughter are extremely serious allegations. The punishments for these crimes in New York can mean years, decades, or even life in prison, without the possibility of parole. If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges, choosing an attorney to defend your case is one of the most important — if not the most important — decisions you will ever have to make. It is absolutely critical that you retain the services of an aggressive, highly experienced criminal defense attorney with a proven track record as soon as you possibly can.

Seth Koslow: New York City Homicide Lawyer

Seth Koslow has the solid experience you or your loved one needs on their side when facing these serious allegations. He has practiced criminal law in New York both as a prosecutor and defender, and has a thorough understanding of police procedure from years spent working with officers and detectives in the New York City Police Department. He handled 120 cases in the past year alone, and has successfully reduced the majority of even violent felony charges to misdemeanors, or had them dismissed entirely. He has obtained a verdict of not guilty for a variety of violent charges that would have resulted in sentences of decades in prison.

Seth Koslow knows the system. He knows the police, the judges, and the city of New York. He knows how to reduce or obliterate sentences, drop charges, and win trials. As a New York City homicide attorney, he can fight for you. If you or someone you know is facing allegations of homicide, murder, or manslaughter, don’t hesitate another minute — contact him now to start the fight to keep your freedom.

Criminally Negligent Homicide

Criminally negligent homicide is a Class E Felony in New York. In criminally negligent homicide, there is no intention of causing death or serious physical injury. Rather, it entails that one individual’s reckless, inattentive, negligent, or careless actions or inaction, accidentally causes the death of another individual. Criminally negligent homicide is punishable by up to four years in prison.

Types of Murder Offenses

Aggravated Murder and Murder in the 1st and 2nd Degrees

Aggravated Murder and Murder in the 1st and 2nd Degrees are Class A-1 Felonies in New York. The basic condition of Aggravated Murder and Murder in the 1st and 2nd Degrees is that an individual had the intent to cause the death of another individual, and killed that or another individual, with additional conditions for Murder in the 1st Degree including:

The individual caused the death of a police or peace officer, EMT, nurse, physician, ambulance driver, firefighter, paramedic, or jail or prison employee in the line of duty.

The individual caused the death of another individual with the intention of preventing them from testifying as a witness to a crime.

The individual caused the death of another individual while another crime, such as rape or burglary, was in progress.

Murder in the 2nd Degree is punishable by a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Murder in the 1st Degree is punished with life imprisonment without parole.

Types of Manslaughter Offenses

Aggravated Manslaughter in the 1st and 2nd Degree

Aggravated Manslaughter in the 1st Degree is a Class B Felony in New York, while Aggravated Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree is a Class C Felony. In the 2nd Degree, Aggravated Manslaughter means that an individual recklessly and unintentionally causes the death of a peace or police officer while the officer was performing their duties, and the individual knew of the officer’s status as such. It is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison, and a maximum of 15 years in prison. In the 1st Degree, Aggravated Manslaughter is similar to the 2nd Degree with added conditions including:

The intent to kill or seriously injure a police or peace officer was present.

The individual causing death or serious injury to a police or peace officer was acting under extreme emotional duress at the time.

Aggravated Manslaughter in the 1st Degree is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree

Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree is a Class C Felony in New York. The conditions of Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree include:

Causing the death of another individual through reckless action.

Committing an abortional act upon a woman which leads to her death (unless the abortion is justified under S 125.05).

Intentionally causing the suicide of another individual, or aiding that individual in committing their suicide.

Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison, and a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Manslaughter in the 1st Degree

Manslaughter in the 1st Degree is a Class B Felony in New York. The conditions of Manslaughter in the 1st Degree include:

Intention to seriously injure or cause the death of an individual, which causes the death of that individual or of another person.

Acting under the influence of extreme emotional duress.

Committing an abortional act upon a woman at least 24 weeks pregnant which leads to her death (unless the abortion is justified under S 125.05).

An individual of at least 18 years of age causing the death of an individual less than 11 years of age.

Manslaughter in the 1st Degree is punishable by a minimum of five years in prison, and a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Types of Vehicular Offenses

Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree

Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree is a Class D Felony in New York. The conditions of Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree are that an individual causes the death of another individual while operating a vehicle, and either:

Was operating the vehicle in an impaired or intoxicated state.

Was operating a vehicle containing at least 18,000 pounds of flammable gas, explosives, or radioactive material.

Was operating an all terrain vehicle or snowmobile in a park, historical preserve, or recreational area while impaired or intoxicated.

Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st Degree

Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st Degree is a Class C Felony in New York. The conditions of Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st Degree are that an individual causes the death of one or more individuals while operating a vehicle, and either:

Was operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .18%.

Was operating a vehicle with the knowledge of a license revocation.

Had prior convictions violating any provisions of S 1192 of vehicle and traffic law within the past 10 years.

Had prior convictions violating any provisions of Article 120.

Caused the death of a child of 15 years of age or less who was riding as a passenger their own vehicle.

It should be noted that causing the death of two or more individuals is not required to constitute Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st Degree, but also, causing the death of one individual and the serious physical injury of a second individual. Vehicular Manslaughter in the 1st Degree is punishable by a mandatory minimum of one year in prison, and a maximum of 15 years in prison. Charges of Manslaughter, Vehicular Manslaughter, Murder, and Homicide are among the gravest and most severely punished.

If you are a loved one is facing such dire charges, it is imperative that you have a highly effective and experienced criminal defense attorney fighting for you. Contact the offices of Seth Koslow now.